ACE Group students reached the benchmark for fantastic ideas recently when they transformed run-down outdoor seats at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus back into quality benches.
The four students – Kiegan Conroy (15) and Daniel Stewart (15) both from Hallglen and Jordan Byers (16) and Shannon Shaw (16) both from Grangemouth – came up with the idea to refurbish the wooden benches in the quadrangle outside the Carron Building as part of the ‘Self in Community’ section of their course.
And in a collaboration with three FVC departments – Access and Progression, Construction (Painting and Decorating) and Creative industries – the group have created an action plan, carried out a risk assessment, jet washed, primed, painted and created an ACE group logo to go on the new-look benches.
Kiegan, said: “I am happy with the benches and enjoyed being involved.”
Daniel, said: “I am proud of what we have done.”
Jordan, went on: “I too am proud of what we have achieved and I thought the best bit was the sanding and jet washing.”
Shannon, added: “I thought painting them was great and I also loved designing the ACE logo.”
Ruth Davis, Access and Progression Lecturer, said: “The benches look great and people will be able to see what this group have done for years to come. They have also started a project which the next ACE group that comes in will be able to develop further. I am very proud of the students involved.”
Graeme Williamson, Painting and Decorating Lecturer, said: “They came up with the idea themselves and wanted to make the benches look a lot more welcoming and they have certainly done that. I think they are all stars of the future.”
Jane Paterson, Creative Industries Lecturer, said: “They were making stencils in my class and Shannon came up with the idea of making a stencil logo for the benches. They really have been magic and have taken a great amount of pride in this project.”